THE MASTER CHRISTIAN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2973, 21 December 1900, Page 3

THE MASTER CHRISTIAN.

To the Editor. Sir,---In your issue of Saturday last you have found room for some critical remarks on Madame Corelli’s singularly hold and daring book ‘‘The Master Christian.” These criticisms are all by “ clerics,” and with one honourable exception, are all in the same illiberal spirit. Dr Darker, however, recognises the value of the book, as a protest against the absence of the teaching and life of Jesus in the so-called Christian churches, and he admits that although the book is mainly devoted to the Roman Church, yetj it is intended by the writer to apply “ as a parable,” to all churches. Dr Chadwick discovers that “ the enemy in the book is the clergy of all sorts.” This is true, just inasmuch as it is “ the clergy of all sorts,” and not the Roman only, whom the writer desires to influence. lan Maclaren protests against such an attack “ on a body of Christ’s servants,” but misses the point that) the author, in common with others, is unable to regard the clergy of any sectarianism as entitled to such a special recognition. The Hon. and Revd. L. Ad*

derley wishes to smooth matters, and says that it is an awful thing “to condemn three-quarters of our fellow-creatures,” but he fails to see that both he and I are included. The book is intended to shadow forth what Jesus would say to our so-called “ fellow-Ghristians,” if he came to us tomorrow, as he came to us 1900 years ago, and yet, although his life would be safe, we should reject and crucify his teaching, because it would not suit ■ i : gy of all sorts,” or the rest of us. The magnificent challenge of Manuel, “ Come out with me and do good,” is not intended to apply to the Pope s.loae, but to all who profess to guide the steps of humanity. I am,etc., E.A.